Methods for the early diagnosis of ovarian cancer

Abstract

The disclosed nucleic acid primer sets, used in combination with quantitative amplification (PCR) of tissue cDNA, can indicate the presence of specific proteases in a tissue sample. Specifically, the present invention relates to expression of hepsin protease. The detected proteases are themselves specifically over-expressed in certain cancers, and the presence of their genetic precursors may serve for early detection of associated ovarian and other malignancies, and for the design of interactive therapies for cancer treatment.

1. A method of vaccinating an individual against hepsin, comprising the step of:
 inoculating an individual with a hepsin protein fragment consisting of SEQ ID No. 28, wherein said inoculation with said hepsin protein fragment elicits an immune response in said individual, thereby vaccinating said individual against hepsin.  
 
     
     
       2. A method of producing immune-activated cells toward hepsin, comprising the steps of:
 exposing immune cells to a hepsin protein fragment consisting of SEQ ID No. 28, wherein said exposure to said hepsin protein fragment activates said immune cells, thereby producing immune-activated cells directed towards hepsin.  
 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 2 , wherein said immune cells are selected from the group consisting of B cells, T cells and dendritic cells. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 3 , wherein said dendritic cells are isolated from an individual prior to said exposure, wherein said activated dendrititc cells are reintroduced into said individual subsequent to said exposure.